Senior Mechanical Engineer

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems | Fluid Systems | Propellant & Cryogenic Systems | Space Launch Infrastructure

Location: Bay Area, CA

Industry: Aerospace | Space Launch | Rocket Propulsion | Ground Support Equipment

We are hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer – Ground Systems to design and build the fluid and mechanical infrastructure that supports rocket testing and launch operations
. This role sits on the Ground Systems Fluids Team
, responsible for developing modular systems that handle propellants, cryogenic fluids, high-pressure gases, and payload conditioning
.

These systems support rapid launch operations and global deployment
, enabling faster assembly, improved launch readiness, and more frequent missions.

This position is ideal for engineers who enjoy hands‑on design, fluid systems engineering, and real hardware that supports rockets on the pad.

• Design mechanical and fluid systems supporting rocket propulsion and launch operations
• Develop P&IDs, piping layouts, and operational flow diagrams
• Engineer systems for propellant loading, environmental control, fire suppression, and pad safety
• Perform fluid flow and thermal analysis for system sizing and validation
• Define startup, shutdown, and emergency operating procedures
• Support system fabrication, integration, and field testing
• Collaborate with propulsion, avionics, test, and launch operations teams
• Improve system reliability, maintainability, and operational readiness

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Chemical, or Process Engineering
• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, fluid systems, or process systems
• Experience with piping design, fluid systems integration, and mechanical hardware
• Proficiency with CAD tools (NX preferred)
• Strong analytical skills including fluid dynamics and thermal analysis

• Cryogenic fluid systems or high‑pressure gas systems
• Knowledge of ASME B31.3, AWS D10.18, or similar piping / welding standards
• Experience supporting field‑deployed infrastructure or test systems
• Familiarity with launch pad operations or aerospace ground support equipment
• Background in aerospace, launch vehicles, or space startup environments

You’ll be designing the ground infrastructure that makes rocket launches possible — the systems responsible for fueling, conditioning, and safely supporting launch vehicles.

The team builds modular, rapidly deployable systems that can be transported globally and assembled quickly to support test campaigns and launch operations.

If you enjoy fluid systems engineering, hardware development, and working close to rocket operations
, this is an opportunity to have a direct impact on the future of spaceflight.

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under ITAR/EAR regulations (citizen, permanent resident, refugee, or asylee) or be eligible for licensing
• Subject to background checks and potential government contract clearance
• San Francisco applicants considered in accordance with the Fair Chance Ordinance

💬
Interested or know someone who might be?

Apply directly or message me to learn more about this opportunity supporting next‑generation launch infrastructure and rocket propulsion systems.